Noise Pollution in Maritime Logistics
Impacts on Marine Species and Sustainable Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20330672Keywords:
Noise Pollution, Maritime Logistics, Marine Fauna, SustainabilityAbstract
Maritime logistics, the backbone of the global economy, has intensified underwater noise pollution, generating severe impacts on ocean ecosystems. This study, through a qualitative and exploratory literature review, aimed to investigate the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine fauna and identify sustainable mitigation practices. The results confirm that noise from vessels, seismic surveys, and offshore operations causes physiological and behavioral damage, critically affecting marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. Key impacts include acoustic masking, chronic stress, and alterations to migratory routes. Areas with intense vessel traffic, such as the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, are the most vulnerable. Although technological (e.g., quiet propellers) and operational (e.g., slow steaming) solutions exist, their implementation is hindered by costs and a lack of mandatory regulations. It is concluded that the adoption of sustainable practices is urgent to reconcile maritime logistics with ocean health.
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